Confirmed Watford v Leeds lineups: Bamba starts, Botaka on the bench

Watford will be looking to avoid a cup upset this afternoon as they take on Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round.

The Hornets have beaten Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest to get to this stage, and Quique Sanchez Flores could really push to win the competition given that Watford are safe from Premier League relegation.

He has though decided to rest star striker Odion Ighalo, whilst goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is also on the bench.

That means that January signings Nordin Amrabat and Costel Pantilimon start, whilst Jose Holebas features at left back, with Juan Carlos Paredes at right back.

Meanwhile, Leeds United beat Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers to reach this stage of the competition, and are looking to pick up a major victory at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

The big team news is that centre back Liam Cooper is out injured today, meaning Sol Bamba returns to the line-up in the heart of defence.

Loan winger Mustapha Carayol isn't in the squad at all today, with Jordan Botaka coming onto the bench, as manager Steve Evans sticks with a familiar line-up.

Toumani Diagouraga and Liam Bridcutt continue in central midfield, and Souleymane Doukara and Mirco Antenucci will be relied up on for goal this afternoon.

Olly Dawes

Olly is a Sports Management graduate and aspiring journalist, with most of his work surrounding football or NFL. He has formed two of his own sites, as well as contributing to a number of others before starting with Here Is The City.